Author: Lisa

[caption id="attachment_16693" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Have you got what it takes?"] [/caption]
Practical tips and resources to help you ace psychometric tests
Many of us experience fear and anxiety when faced with the prospect of sitting a psychometric or aptitude test. Employers sometimes use psychometric, aptitude and personality tests as part of their selection process during the process of identifying the best talent to bring on board. Psychometric or aptitude tests are made up of numerical, verbal and spatial reasoning tests that measure your cognitive abilities.
As part of a selection process you might also be subjected to personality assessment which assesses your personality based on the ‘Big 5 model of personality’ which measures traits such as: openness, agreeableness, extrovertism, neuroticism and conscientiousness. Personality assessments can be challenging as the ‘right’ answers can be subjective and vary depending on what qualities or traits an employer is seeking.
The best way to prepare for testing is...

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What is CPD?
Continuing Professional Development or CPD refers to any career development activities which develop your professional skills, knowledge or experience. CPD is important because it ensures you remain competent in your profession throughout your career.
CPD activities can be formal or informal and gained either on the job or outside your work environment. It’s a good idea to keep track of your CPD by recording and reflecting upon the resulting learning and development.
Advantages of CPD
Ensures that your skills remain up to date and relevant
Helps you maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed to do your job effectively
Keeps your up to date the current standards and best practice in your field of expertise
Helps you be more effective in your role leading to higher levels of job satisfaction, productivity and professionalism
Facilitates career progression by ensuring you constantly learning and developing
Enables you identify further areas...

[caption id="attachment_18465" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="There are over 350 different job roles across the NHS"][/caption]
The NHS is one of the biggest employers in the world with over 1.6 million employees. When thinking about the health service, most people primarily think of doctors and nurses, but there’s a whole network within the organisation consisting of different roles - including non-medical.
From the caterers who provide daily nutritious meals and skilled security personnel ensuring everyone is safe, there are also Human Resources departments focusing on retaining staff and keeping employee morale high.
Working for the NHS can lead to a rewarding career, with benefits including flexible working options, pensions and opportunities to progress. Knowing you have contributed towards helping someone’s health can be also offer job satisfaction that you won’t receive in a regular office position.
In order to treat millions more patients, there is an increased need for more professionals to join the healthcare sector....

[caption id="attachment_18497" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Don't make these common LinkedIn mistakes"] [/caption]
Are you using LinkedIn effectively? With more than 546 million users (*as of 24 March 2018), LinkedIn is one of the world's largest on-line communities. It's important that you use it responsibly so it can continue to be the powerful professional networking tool it was designed to be. Here's five things you shouldn't do on LinkedIn:
1. Don’t send random connection requests
Send connection requests in a mindful way. Think about why you want to connect with the person and personalise your connection request message by explaining why you think you should connect.
2. Don’t give fake endorsements
You should only endorse people for skills you know they have and generally speaking only for those skills you have witnessed first-hand. Don’t feel obligated to endorse your connections just because they have endorsed you or if LinkedIn suggests an endorsement.
3. Don’t be an over-poster
We’ve all seen them, the LinkedIn addicts who...

[caption id="attachment_16442" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Boost your career through networking"] [/caption]
When I talk with my clients about how important networking is I’m often faced with a look of terror as they envisage themselves anxiously walking into a room full of strangers and awkwardly trying to network with them.
I'm quick to reassure them that networking has changed a lot over the years and doesn't need to be the horrifying and daunting task they fear it will be. The biggest changes that have happened are the result of technological developments as well as the huge growth in range of networking opportunities. There really is something to suit everyone no matter how shy or lacking in confidence you might be.
I prefer to look at networking as an opportunity to connect, learn and develop. Viewed in this way, networking becomes far less fearsome and much more fun. Now that’s got to be better than anxiousness,...

[caption id="attachment_18507" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The number of green jobs is set to grow"] [/caption]
Green jobs are gaining in popularity as we try to find ways to minimise our impact on the planet and take action to tackle climate change. We’ve come up with a list of our top 10 green jobs to whet your appetite if you are considering a more sustainable, greener career.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants can work across a number of areas for example they might have an interest the built environment where they provide specialist advice on how best to meet sustainability regulations. They will have a good understanding of how to incorporate sustainability elements in a design using tools such as thermal modelling and provide advice on low carbon building methods and materials.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists examine the environment to determine how plants, animals and other organisms are affected by it. They also study external influences, such as pollutants, and provide specialist...

[caption id="attachment_18510" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Flexible working is a growing trend"] [/caption]
With an estimated 14%* of employees now working from home, the world of work is changing. Whether you're in full or part-time employment, are self-employed or work as a freelancer, chances are you spend at least a part of your week working from home. In honour of Work From Home week, I thought it would be worthwhile to look at the advantages and the challenges of working from home.
Advantages
The reason for the growing trend in flexible and home working are the many advantages that come with these new ways of working. Some of these advantages include:
increased well-being
improved staff retention
reduced absenteeism
improved levels of motivation and enthusiasm
eliminated or reduced need for travel
reduced operating costs
The advantages for employers is clear, allowing staff the freedom of flexible working including working from home makes for happier employees. Working from home is common for freelancers and...

[caption id="attachment_18513" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool"] [/caption]
We've all done it. Logged in to LinkedIn, set up a profile, connected with some friends, old work colleagues maybe some family members and not returned for months or in some cases, years.
The most common responses I get from people when I ask them if they're on LinkedIn are:
"Oh yeah I am, I have a profile but it's not up to date and I haven't been on there for years."
"I used to be on LinkedIn but I didn't see the point of it so I deleted my account."
The whole premise behind LinkedIn is that it is a professional networking tool. But the thing is, if you are not using it to its full potential, it fails to be effective. That's no fault of the tool itself, but of the user of the tool - that's you and me.
So what exactly...

[caption id="attachment_18518" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="These tips will help you at your next interview"] [/caption]
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking at the best of times but especially so for parents returning to work. You might feel self conscious about your appearance, unsure of your skills and uncertain about how your interviewers will see you.
The best way to overcome any fear and anxiety is to prepare well. Here’s a step by step guide to getting you ready for your next job interview:
Get the details
Once the date has been set for your job interview, make sure you have all the necessary details to hand including the physical address, interviewers name(s) and contact number in case you are running late or need directions.
Ask about the interview format and the length of time that has been allocated for the interview. The last thing you want is to be worrying about getting back in time to collect...

[caption id="attachment_18523" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Do you have an elevator pitch ready for when the opportunity arises?"] [/caption]
What is an elevator pitch?
The term elevator pitch evolved as a way to describe a 30 second spiel about who you are, what you have to offer and why someone should hire you. The premise is that if you were ever lucky enough to share a 30 second elevator ride with someone with the potential to hire you, you could confidently describe why they should.
How do I create a good elevator pitch?
By far the easiest and most effective way to create your own elevator pitch is to first identify your unique selling points. Try brainstorming on a sheet of paper or digitally if you prefer. Identify all those things that describe your skills, abilities, experience, interests, passions etc.
Think about your accomplishments and include these in your pitch to really make you stand out. Have...